Plain-English answers to the questions DC residents actually ask — by Steven C. Fraser, Esq., DC Bar No. 460026.
The 2026 DOJ median income figures for DC have shifted — and whether you fall above or below the line determines everything. Here’s what the means test actually calculates, what current monthly income includes, and what happens if your income exceeds the median.
Read More →DC gives filers a choice most states don’t: federal exemptions capped at $31,575, or DC’s unlimited homestead with no ceiling on equity — if you’ve owned for 1,215+ days. The decision can be worth tens of thousands of dollars in protected equity.
Read More →The automatic stay takes effect the instant you file — no hearing required. When creditors ignore it, § 362(k) authorizes actual damages, punitive damages, and attorney’s fees. Most bankruptcy attorneys don’t pursue these claims. Attorney Fraser does.
Read More →After discharge, creditors frequently continue reporting debts as active — violating the FCRA. But standing to sue now depends on dissemination. TransUnion v. Ramirez, Spokeo, and Nelson v. Experian (11th Cir. 2025) define the landscape.
Read More →Federal agencies are now FCRA defendants after Dept. of Agriculture v. Kirtz (2024). A circuit split on the “consumer” definition is reshaping data broker liability. And DC District Courts are applying a tightening concrete-consequence standard. Attorney Fraser breaks down what it means for Washington residents.
Read More →Southern District judges demand proof of dissemination before trial. Middle District courts apply a strict Nelson self-inflicted harm standard. Attorney Fraser is licensed in all three Florida federal districts — and explains what it means for your case.
Read More →DC’s unique dual federal court structure — Bankruptcy Court, D.D.C., and DC Circuit — explained. Includes the February 2026 Local Rules update, DC’s unlimited homestead exemption, and why dual-court admission matters when creditors break the law.
Read More →American Samoa is the only populated U.S. territory with no federal bankruptcy court. Attorney Fraser maps all 94 U.S. judicial districts where venue can be established — and explains why the D.D.C. is the right federal forum for American Samoan matters.
Read More →Calling before 8 a.m.? Threatening lawsuits? Contacting your employer? The FDCPA entitles you to $1,000 in statutory damages plus attorney’s fees — paid by the collector. Attorney Fraser pursues FDCPA violations in federal court for DC and Florida clients.
Read More →The DC CPPA covers original creditors the FDCPA doesn’t reach — and provides treble damages or $1,500 per violation plus attorney’s fees. Attorney Fraser pursues CPPA, FDCPA, and bankruptcy stay violations simultaneously for maximum recovery.
Read More →Midland Credit Management buys debt for pennies on the dollar and sues for the full amount in DC Superior Court Calendar 18. Bankruptcy stops the lawsuit instantly. FDCPA defenses may also apply.
Read More →PRA is the second-largest debt buyer in the US. If they’ve sued you in DC Superior Court, bankruptcy stops the lawsuit the same day you file. Attorney Fraser explains your full range of options.
Read More →LVNV Funding buys old debts and sues in DC Superior Court. Many of these debts are time-barred under DC’s 3-year statute of limitations. Know your defenses before responding.
Read More →A default judgment enables wage garnishment, bank levies, and U.S. Marshal property seizure. Do not ignore the summons — you have defenses and options. This is time-sensitive.
Read More →Calendar 18 is DC Superior Court’s mass debt collection docket. Over 80% of cases end in default judgment because the defendant never responds. Attorney representation changes outcomes dramatically.
Read More →Two paths to stop wage garnishment in DC: file a Claim of Exemption under DC Code § 16-572 or file for bankruptcy. Both work — here’s how to choose the right one for your situation.
Read More →Being “judgment proof” means a creditor can’t collect even if they win in court. But it doesn’t stop lawsuits, phone calls, or credit reporting — and it’s temporary. Here’s when it’s enough and when bankruptcy is the stronger choice.
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